Avoid long wait times at Lafayette's newest restaurant by reserving a table online.(Photo: Megan Wyatt, The Advertiser)

We all know that when a new restaurant opens in Lafayette, you won't be able to score a table without crazy wait times for at least three months. The good news is, there's a simple online reservation tool you can use to reserve a table before the restaurant even opens to the public.

Don't be too timid to taste a chicken heart, which has a similar flavor as wild game.(Photo: Megan Wyatt, The Advertiser)

Many things at Brazilian steakhouses involve different takes on familiar foods. But chicken hearts are a Rodizio offering that might be off putting to some. Give it a chance. One heart is about the size of a quarter and can be eaten in a single bite. A bit chewy with a slight metallic flavor, the chicken hearts don't taste terribly different from deer and other wild game we're more familiar with in south Louisiana.

3. It's more affordable than Texas de Brazil.

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It's easy to make a meal on Rodizio Grill's salad bar, which offers far more than just salad.(Photo: Megan Wyatt, The Advertiser)

Many locals are familiar with the Brazilian steakhouse concept because of the Texas de Brazil location in Baton Rouge. But the price for an adult dinner at the nearest location of Texas de Brazil is $44.99, while an adult dinner at Rodizio Grill will set you back just $32.99. The full Rodizio comes with unlimited meats, salads, vegetables, fruits and appetizers.

Rodizio Grill is a great dining option for those with gluten sensitivity since 95 percent of the menu is gluten-free, including this Brazilian cheese bread made from yucca flour.(Photo: Megan Wyatt, The Advertiser)

Rodizio Grill boasts a menu that is 95 percent gluten-free. One reason for this is wheat and other foods that contain gluten aren't traditional in Brazil. Proteins, the majority of the salad bar options and even the Brazilian cheese bread (or pao de queijo) is gluten-free because it is made with yucca flour.

Once you've tasted a bit of everything, you might find yourself craving just one more bite of your favorite item. Don't be shy. You can ask a passing gaucho (or Brazilian cowboy) to send more of that swai fish, rare sirloin or grilled pineapple to your table so you don't leave with any regrets.

6. Don't pass up the chimmichurri.

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Chimmichurri, made from olive oil, fresh parsley, oregano, garlic and white vinegar, goes great on lamb, beef and even bread.(Photo: Megan Wyatt, The Advertiser)

It's easy to overlook the chimmichurri that is located near the dressings on the salad bar. Don't do it! This tasty olive oil-based sauce includes fresh parsley, garlic, oregano and white vinegar. Chimmichurri goes great on almost anything. It is especially delicious with lamb, but try pairing it with different cuts of beef and the cheese bread, too.

It's easy to make a meal on Rodizio Grill's salad bar, which offers far more than just salad.(Photo: Megan Wyatt, The Advertiser)

I don't just mean this figuratively. There is an actual meal option that costs $19.99 for an adult at dinner that includes unlimited salad bar visits and appetizers. The term salad bar might be misleading. You'll find black bean stew, creamy mashed potatoes, beef strogonoff, charcuterie, fresh mozzarella, hearts of palm soup and more on the line.